NEARLY A TRAGEDY.
YACHT CAPSIZES IN HARBOUR.
LAUNCH'S PROVIDENTIAL
APPEARANCE.
DIFFICULT RESCUE WORK.
Three boys who were sailing from Auckland to Kohimarama in a 14ft yacht, had a narrow escape from drowning off Orakei on Saturday evening. The boat capsized in a sudden squall and the occupants 'had the utmost difficulty in obtaining a hold 1 on the upturned craft. Had it not been for the providential appearance of a launch which was returning from Beachlands to the city, the affair would probably have had a fatal termination. i The boys were the two sons of Mr. J. [W. Andrews, of Kohimarama, and a friend. They were returning home after a strenuous afternoon's racing in the harbour, and when the capsize occurred their plight was made more serious by the fact that they were very tired. The water was choppy, and it was some time before they all managed to. secure a hold of the boat. Fortunately the accident was observed by Mr. N. Compton, who was bringing the launch Te Awa back from Beachlands with a. party of Grammar Schools girls. The launch was over a mile away, but Mr. Compton' made all speed to the yacht. The boys had by this time been in the water for half an 'hour and were thoroughly exhausted.
The work of rescue was full of difficulty. By manoeuvring to the leeward side of the yacht, Mr. Compton managed to get one of the boys aboard, but owing to wind and tide he could not get to.the others. He then approached on the windward side and managed to (rescue the other two.
The screw of the launch had, however, became entangled in the rigging of the yacht, and both vessels were helpless. Signals to the shore brought a man in a dinghy, who returned and communicated with the waterfront police, and they immediately despatched a fast launch to the scene. The girls were transhipped and brought back to Auckland. The launch was towed to Kohimarama, and when the tide went out Mr. Compton managed to clear the screw and bring his craft back to the city. i
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Bibliographic details
Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 275, 21 November 1927, Page 10
Word Count
354NEARLY A TRAGEDY. Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 275, 21 November 1927, Page 10
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